346 WIN-TERING. 



I am satisfied that it would be better to prepare the hives 

 as will be described, and leave them upon their summer 

 stands. Yet, my experience in wintering under nearly 

 all circumstances, will, I think, warrant the assumption 

 that, all things considered, in-door wintering is preferable, 

 particularly in our cold climate. 



If bees are to be left upon their summer stands, the 

 first thing necessary is, to provide the hives with ample 

 protection from cutting winds. If this is not afforded 

 naturally, a tight board fence should be built for the pur- 

 pose. Many practice packing straw about the hives in 

 such a manner that the sun cannot, at any time, shine 

 upon any part of them, unless temporarily upon the 

 front, which is the very thing that should be avoided, 

 as this induces the bees to fly. Properly arranged pack- 

 ing at the tops and sides of frames, is often very advan- 

 tageous, yet, as it is generally used, I think it is the cause 

 of the loss of more bees than it benefits. I speak from 

 experimental knowledge, having packed hundreds of 

 colonies in the Quinby hives. It will be seen by noticing 

 the construction of this hive, that the ease is large and 

 that, when all boxes are removed, the space for packing is 

 abundant. I have filled this space with saw-dust, chaff, 

 cut and whole straw, and dearly bought experience 

 forces me to say, that with improper management, very 

 bad results come from the use of such packing. The ar- 

 gument offered in its favor, is, that the packing will ab- 

 sorb the moisture, and retain the warmth of the bees. 

 This is true, and it is equally true that, unless the sun is 

 allowed to reach this packing and evaporate the moisture, 

 it is the direct cause of harm. 



If bees are to receive no attention, I would prefer to 

 risk a common box-hive with holes in the top, loosely 

 filled with rags or some porous substance, than those 

 packed with chaff or straw. Cold is not so frequent a 

 cause of loss in winter as many suppose, provided the 



